At just 22 years old, Cam Little’s jersey is already enshrined in the NFL’s Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The moment that sealed his place in history came during a Week 9 game of the 2025 NFL season in Las Vegas, where the Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Raiders.
Called upon just before half-time, Little successfully kicked a 68-yard field goal, surpassing the previous NFL record of 66 yards set by Justin Tucker in 2021. Achieving this feat in only his second professional season, Little instantly made history.
However, his path to the NFL was far from straightforward. “I had no plans on playing football. I was a soccer player through and through,” Little shared in an interview with BBC Sport. He was first invited to a football practice by a friend, where he realised the kicker was often just a soccer player who joined football practice once a week.
“I didn’t even know how to put pads on or the rules of football. In my first practice, I just punted the ball—I didn’t even kick it,” he recalled.
‘This isn’t for me…’ Why Little Almost Quit Football
Little began playing as a punter on his junior varsity team before moving up to varsity. However, his football journey nearly ended early. “During my first punt in a game, the snap went over my head and I got hit hard,” he said. “Two days later, I told my dad and coach I wanted to quit. I wanted to keep playing soccer instead.”
His father encouraged him to continue, sensing potential. His football coach agreed, advising against quitting. Motivated by their support, Little dedicated himself to improving, studying videos of NFL kickers like Justin Tucker before playing college football at Arkansas.
He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Reflecting on his rapid rise, Little said, “Good opportunities kept coming. I took advantage of them, and here we are today—breaking records I never thought I would.”
He remains humble yet driven: “I want to break every record in this franchise and the NFL. I’m hungry for more.”
Coach Coen’s Influence and Jaguars’ Rise
Under the leadership of new head coach Liam Coen and executive vice-president Tony Boselli, the Jaguars transformed dramatically. After winning only four games last season, the team secured 13 victories in 2025, clinching the AFC South division title for only the third time in 26 years.
In the final regular season game against the Tennessee Titans, Little kicked the NFL’s first-ever 67-yard field goal, adding to his record-breaking achievements. The Jaguars entered the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak.
“Coach Coen focuses on taking it one game at a time,” Little explained. “Everyone—from the front office to captains and coaches—is united, and that unity creates success.”
The Jaguars will face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card round on Sunday. For Little, it marks his first meaningful postseason appearance. “Playing in win-or-go-home games is exciting for us and the fans. It’s a special moment for Jacksonville,” he said.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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